Imphal: Hundreds of people from different communities gathered at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) mortuary complex in Imphal on Tuesday to pay their last respects to Chunjanglung Panmei, who was allegedly killed in an attack attributed to Kuki armed miscreants.
Panmei, 57, was a resident of Pongringlong village near Tupul under the Kangchup Geljang subdivision in Kangpokpi district. He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.
Following a post-mortem examination at the RIMS mortuary, Panmei’s mortal remains were taken to his native village for the final rites. A condolence service is expected to be held on Wednesday.
The solemn gathering was attended by leaders from various communities, including Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, as well as representatives of several civil society organisations, who extended their condolences and solidarity to the bereaved family.
Addressing the gathering, Gangmei said that violence and communal conflict had never benefited Manipur and urged both the public and civil society leaders to reject violence as a means of resolving disputes.
“India is a mature democracy, and the Constitution provides adequate mechanisms to voice and address grievances. Our demands and concerns must be pursued through democratic means, not through violence,” he said.
According to N.G. Akhiu, convenor of the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), the incident occurred on Monday when Panmei and several villagers had gone to repair a water pipeline and collect firewood near Pongringlong village.
Akhiu alleged that the group was ambushed by Kuki militants, resulting in Panmei’s death.
“This is a terrorist act, and we strongly condemn the brutal attack on innocent Naga villagers,” he said.
The FNCC convenor also criticised the government’s response, alleging that authorities had limited themselves to condemning the incident instead of taking decisive action against those responsible.
“We demand that the perpetrators be identified and punished. Mere condemnation is not enough,” he said.
Akhiu further called for stronger measures against those involved in the attack and reiterated his demand for the abrogation of Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps, arguing that such steps were necessary for lasting peace in the state.
The killing has added to concerns over continuing tensions in parts of Manipur, with community leaders once again appealing for peace, accountability and a democratic resolution to the state’s ongoing conflicts.
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